As Zhang Wenhao fled in panic, Xiao Hailong entered the banquet hall, followed by his sister Xiao Weiwei and her fiancé Wang Yunlong.


Beside Wang Yunlong was a young man dressed in luxurious attire, bearing a striking resemblance to Wang Yunfei.


Seeing Zhang Wenhao in disarray, Xiao Hailong quickly asked, “Hey, Wenhao! I just heard rumors that something terrible happened to your family. Is that true?”


Zhang Wenhao, looking utterly defeated, muttered, “It’s over… everything’s over…”


Concerned, Xiao Hailong asked, “Young Master Zhang, what’s going on?”


Zhang Wenhao shook his head in terror, saying nothing.


He dared not speak a word. He knew if he revealed anything, he might not live to see the next day.


Without another word, Zhang Wenhao broke free from Xiao Hailong’s grip and staggered away.


Watching his retreating figure, Xiao Hailong sighed, “Looks like the Zhang family is really finished. Damn, that was fast! They were fine yesterday, and today they’re bankrupt!”


Then, spotting Ye Chen and Xiao Churan, a sinister thought crossed Xiao Hailong’s mind.


He hurried over to introduce a guest, saying, “Churan, let me introduce you to an esteemed guest. This is Wang Yunfei’s cousin, Wang Yunkai, the eldest son of the Wang family.”


“Brother Kai, this is my cousin, Xiao Churan,” Xiao Hailong said flatteringly.


Wang Yunkai’s eyes had been fixated on Xiao Churan the moment he walked in. Smiling, he extended his hand, “Miss Churan, I’ve long heard of your beauty. Seeing you today, the rumors fall short.”


A flicker of displeasure flashed across Ye Chen’s eyes.


His wife was too beautiful, and it attracted far too many flies.


Stepping forward, Ye Chen reached out and shook Wang Yunkai’s hand, coldly saying, “Hello, I’m Churan’s husband.”


“You?”


Wang Yunkai looked him up and down, his face full of disdain. He withdrew his hand and sneered, “Didn’t expect Churan to be married. What a waste of a beauty on… fertilizer.”


Xiao Weiwei quickly chimed in, “Brother Kai, this loser married into our family. He’s jobless and useless!”


She then winked at Wang Yunkai, hinting, “Brother Kai, once I marry Yunfei, we’ll be family. Let’s stay close!”


Catching her hint, Wang Yunkai smirked. “Miss Churan is stunning. Of course, I’d love to get closer.”


Just then, Ye Chen’s mother-in-law, Ma Lan, and father-in-law, Xiao Changkun, approached.


Ma Lan excitedly said, “Churan! Have you heard? The Zhang family is bankrupt!”


“What?” Xiao Churan was shocked. “When did this happen?”


“Just now!” Ma Lan sighed, “I thought once you divorced Ye Chen, you could be with Zhang Wenhao. But now, that’s impossible…”


Ye Chen felt frustrated. Is my mother-in-law blind? Doesn’t she realize I’m the real goldmine here?


Noticing Ma Lan, Wang Yunkai quickly stepped forward, smiling politely. “You must be Churan’s mother. Hello, Auntie. I’m Wang Yunkai, Yunfei’s cousin. You’re so beautiful; no wonder you have such a lovely daughter.”


Hearing that he was the Wang family’s eldest son, Ma Lan’s eyes lit up.


“Aye! You’re too kind. So, you’re friends with Churan?”


Wang Yunkai nodded, “We just met today, but I’d love to get to know her better.”


Ma Lan beamed, “Come, come! Let’s sit and chat. Yunkai, my Churan is pure and innocent. You young people should interact more.”


“Mom!” Xiao Churan scolded, pulling her mother to stop talking.


Before Ma Lan could continue, Xiao Churan pointed to the stage.


Grandma Xiao stood under the spotlight, smiling.


She surveyed the crowd and said, “On behalf of the Xiao family, I welcome all our friends and partners to tonight’s banquet.


“Let us first welcome the Emgrand Group’s Vice Chairman, Miss Wang Dongxue!”


A spotlight fell on the front row.


Wang Dongxue stood gracefully in an elegant black evening gown, her figure perfectly outlined. Under the lights, she looked like a goddess.


As the Emgrand Group’s Vice Chairman and a stunning beauty, she immediately captivated everyone.


Wang Dongxue nodded slightly at the crowd, but when her gaze briefly met Ye Chen, she paused before looking away.


Grandma Xiao continued, “We must thank the Emgrand Group for entrusting this major project to us. The Xiao family will give it our all!


“Now, I’m pleased to introduce a distinguished member of our Xiao family. Without him, we couldn’t have secured this cooperation.


“After careful discussion, we’ve decided to appoint him as our new Director, fully responsible for collaborating with the Emgrand Group!”


Ma Lan excitedly said, “Churan! It’s your turn to go up!”


Though prepared, Xiao Churan was still a bit nervous.


Ye Chen gave her a reassuring look.


However, Xiao Hailong smirked sinisterly.


Grandma Xiao smiled and looked at their table.


“Let’s welcome our new Director—Xiao Hailong!”


Xiao Churan froze in disbelief.


She turned, stunned, to see Xiao Hailong smugly walking up to the stage.


Ye Chen’s eyes grew cold.


What a backstab! The Xiao family used Churan and discarded her!


Xiao Churan’s eyes welled up.


Without a word, she stood and ran out.


Ye Chen’s expression turned even colder.


Bullying my wife? Are you tired of living?


Onstage, Xiao Hailong boasted, “Thank you for trusting me. I will ensure the Emgrand Group’s project is perfectly completed!”


Grandma Xiao nodded in satisfaction.


She then announced, “Tonight’s banquet has a special guest—the new Chairman of the Emgrand Group, Mr. Ye! Please welcome Chairman Ye with warm applause!”


Thunderous applause erupted!


Everyone had been waiting to see the mysterious new Chairman.


Whispers filled the room.


“I suspect the new Chairman of Emgrand is the same super tycoon who made waves at Emerald Pavilion!”


“Definitely! That back view looked unfamiliar. He’s not from our social circles.”


“Wow! If that’s true, the Emgrand Group’s Chairman is now the most powerful tycoon in Jinling!”


Everyone anxiously scanned the room, eager to see who would stand.


Suddenly, with a cold expression, Ye Chen slowly rose to his feet…